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Arrest made but manhunt continues for killer of father and son in Manchester

Police are continuing to search for Dale Cregan, who they wish to speak to following two attacks in Clayton and Droylsden yesterday, in which a man was killed.

Although formal identification of the man that died has not yet taken place, police believe the victim to be 46-year-old David Short.

David is the father of Mark Short, who was recently killed at the Cotton Tree pub in May 2012.

A 31-year-old man has today been taken into police custody after being arrested in connection with the murder of Mark Short. The man, who was arrested at Wythenshawe Hospital on Wednesday on suspicion of one count of murder and three counts of attempt murder, has now been taken into police custody where he will be questioned by detectives.

David Short's body was found at an address on Folkestone Road East in Clayton shortly after 10.30am on Friday 10 August 2012, after police were called there following reports of gunshots.

Police can now confirm that an explosion which also took place at the address was caused by a grenade.

A Home Office post-mortem examination to establish how David died will take place later today.

It has also now been confirmed that an explosion which took place at a house on Luke Road in Droylsden a short time later at 10.39am, was caused by a grenade, although no-one was injured during this incident.

A white transit van, which is believed to have been involved in the two attacks was seized yesterday on Luke Road in Droylsden. A silver Ford Fiesta was later seized on Lord Lane in Failsworth. Both vehicles were checked by bomb disposal experts from the Army to ensure they were safe, before police were able to recover them.

Cregan is also wanted in connection with the murder of Mark Short, David’s son, at the Cotton Tree Pub on 25 May 2012.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan, said: "Our thoughts remain with the family of David Short, who are understandably distraught by his death following yesterday’s attack. Clearly this is the second tragedy this family has had to face in recent months and specialist officers are supporting them as best they can.

“These two extreme acts of violence that were carried out yesterday are highly unusual for the Greater Manchester area and clearly, are not something we will tolerate. We have a significant amount of officers dedicated to investigating David’s murder and the second attack at the house in Droylsden, to find whoever is responsible.

“Our main priority at the moment is to find Dale Cregan, so we can speak to him about these incidents. If you have seen him, or if you have any information about his whereabouts, please do not approach him but call the police immediately.

“Extra police officers, including specialist firearms officers, have been patrolling in the Clayton and Droylsden areas overnight to provide reassurance to the people living there. The community can also be reassured these patrols will continue over the coming days.

“I would urge anyone with any concerns or who has any information they may want to share to come and speak to us. You can do this in confidence if necessary."

Anyone with any information is asked to call police at the Major Incident Team on 0161 856 3301 or on 101. Alternatively, please call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.